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Out of this World: Theme Parks' Contribution to a Redefined Aesthetics and Educational Practice
Author(s) -
Stanley Nick
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of art and design education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.312
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1476-8070
pISSN - 1476-8062
DOI - 10.1111/1468-5949.00293
Subject(s) - hedonism , entertainment , aesthetics , theme (computing) , ideology , sociology , everyday life , politics , advertising , art , visual arts , psychology , political science , social psychology , business , computer science , law , operating system
There are few links between art education and popular entertainment. Major attractions, such as theme parks, have come to question the relationship between the everyday and the aesthetic. These parks have become sources of ‘calculated hedonism’ where visitors enjoy physical experience in elaborately designed sets. But young people, in particular, approach this experience in varying ways. This paper explores the several options that they may adopt to become aware of the ‘visual ideology’ at work in the entertainment, as well as the stratagems employed. Hopefully, visitors to such parks may become accomplished critics of the politics of display.